Dr LeCrone
03-30-2006, 09:22 AM
John dreaded the end of day-light-saving time. To him, it was a signal that winter was approaching, and he knew he would grow more lethargic and less energetic.
His feelings were of dread, deep concern and even fear. They were reminders that he usually gains weight during the winter, a fact he laments and that often makes him depressed. His normally creative and enthusiastic nature diminished to the point that he wished he could hibernate like a bear and not wake up until the days were longer and spring arrived.
John’s performance during the cold winter months affected his job. Some days he just couldn’t get out of bed. His attendance at work suffered. And his disregard for his work schedule caused concern among other family members who didn’t understand John’s problem.
Many mental health professionals are beginning to believe that John’s problem stems from a dysfunction in neurochemistry producing a psychiatric condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder.
John suffered during the cold winter months, but when spring came, he found himself in a completely different frame of mind. His energy returned; his enthusiasm for each day made him productive and creative. His problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills improved greatly during the spring and summer to the point that he wondered why his outlook could have been so bleak only a few months before.
Although SAD is not well-understood and mental health professionals disagree about its causes and treatment, research shows that some individuals suffering form this difficulty respond favorably to light therapy.
When these patients were exposed to bright lights, extending their period of exposure to light by several hours a day, a rapid decrease in depression occurred. Sometimes a change was noted in only three days.
Dr. Thomas Wehr, a psychiatric researcher at the National Institute of Mental Health, estimates that as many as one in 1,000 people may be afflicted by this problem. The distinction between SAD and a simple case of the winter blahs or cabin fever is one of degree. Sad sufferers describe feelings of sluggishness and bleak thoughts, overeating, crying jags, oversleeping and even suicidal tendencies.
I talked to many retired people who go to the southern-most points in the country during the winter and return in the spring. They tell they are going not only to escape cold weather, but to avoid the darker, bleaker, overcast days found in many northern parts of the United States.
Many individuals also feel the need for brighter and lighter surroundings in their workplace. Employers noted a difference among employees who have light, bright areas. Perhaps there is something to this viewpoint. As research progresses and we learn more about SAD, other changes can be made in the work and home environment to decrease the psychological discomfort of the SAD sufferer.
Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 1986
His feelings were of dread, deep concern and even fear. They were reminders that he usually gains weight during the winter, a fact he laments and that often makes him depressed. His normally creative and enthusiastic nature diminished to the point that he wished he could hibernate like a bear and not wake up until the days were longer and spring arrived.
John’s performance during the cold winter months affected his job. Some days he just couldn’t get out of bed. His attendance at work suffered. And his disregard for his work schedule caused concern among other family members who didn’t understand John’s problem.
Many mental health professionals are beginning to believe that John’s problem stems from a dysfunction in neurochemistry producing a psychiatric condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder.
John suffered during the cold winter months, but when spring came, he found himself in a completely different frame of mind. His energy returned; his enthusiasm for each day made him productive and creative. His problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills improved greatly during the spring and summer to the point that he wondered why his outlook could have been so bleak only a few months before.
Although SAD is not well-understood and mental health professionals disagree about its causes and treatment, research shows that some individuals suffering form this difficulty respond favorably to light therapy.
When these patients were exposed to bright lights, extending their period of exposure to light by several hours a day, a rapid decrease in depression occurred. Sometimes a change was noted in only three days.
Dr. Thomas Wehr, a psychiatric researcher at the National Institute of Mental Health, estimates that as many as one in 1,000 people may be afflicted by this problem. The distinction between SAD and a simple case of the winter blahs or cabin fever is one of degree. Sad sufferers describe feelings of sluggishness and bleak thoughts, overeating, crying jags, oversleeping and even suicidal tendencies.
I talked to many retired people who go to the southern-most points in the country during the winter and return in the spring. They tell they are going not only to escape cold weather, but to avoid the darker, bleaker, overcast days found in many northern parts of the United States.
Many individuals also feel the need for brighter and lighter surroundings in their workplace. Employers noted a difference among employees who have light, bright areas. Perhaps there is something to this viewpoint. As research progresses and we learn more about SAD, other changes can be made in the work and home environment to decrease the psychological discomfort of the SAD sufferer.
Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 1986